The number of COVID-19 cases associated with a conference of disease officials hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April reached at least 181. agency reported.
About 1,800 people gathered in person for this year’s Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) annual conference, held April 24-27 at the CDC headquarters’ hotel conference facility in Atlanta. It was the first time since 2019 that the 70-year-old conference had in-person attendees. The CDC agency estimates that another 400 people participated virtually this year.
By the final day of the event, a number of in-person attendees had tested positive for COVID-19, prompting conference organizers to warn attendees and make changes to reduce the likelihood of further spread. This reportedly included canceling in-person training and offering extended hotel stays for unwell participants who required isolation.
However, in the days that followed, the CDC received reports of more cases and worked with the Georgia Department of Public Health to conduct a rapid evaluation. As of May 2, authorities had tallied 35 cases related to the conference.
The Rapid Assessment team conducted a survey of attendees from May 5-12, and 1,443 conference attendees responded to the survey. Some respondents attended the conference virtually, but more than 80% attended in person, according to the CDC.
Overall, 181 people (13% of all survey participants) reported having tested positive for COVID-19, and 52 percent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 were the first known It was shown that it was the onset of the new coronavirus infection. Nearly all survey respondents, 1,435 (99.4 percent), reported receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine. However, 70% of survey respondents reported removing their masks during gatherings. The CDC noted that the meeting was held when infection levels were low and the CDC does not recommend wearing masks.
The agency emphasized that none of the infected meeting participants were hospitalized, but 49 (27%) of the respondents reported taking antiviral medications for the infection.
”[T]”The results of this rapid assessment support previous data showing that COVID-19 vaccines, antiviral treatments, and immunity from previous infections continue to protect people from severe illness. ‘, the agency wrote. Older people should stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccines, including the latest vaccinations. ”
Still, according to Recommendations seen by the Washington PostThe CDC has warned attendees of a conference the agency plans to hold at the same hotel venue in June about an outbreak at the April event. The CDC encourages attendees at its June event to “wear your own high-quality mask and, if possible, bring a rapid COVID-19 test.” Spokeswoman Kristen Nordlund said government agencies will also provide masks.
